A previous Covid infection could lead to ‘hair shedding’, experts have claimed.
Research at the School of Medicine at Indiana University in America found that almost a third of people reported hair shedding as a longer term impact of the virus.
Experts at Usak University in Turkey reported that the number of people being diagnosed with alopecia in recent months had grown by 33 per cent when compared to the months prior to the pandemic.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association found that people suffering from a high fever during their stint from the virus could be suffering from 'noticeable hair loss'.
Hair is said to begin shedding from around two to three months after the illness. They say that handfuls of hair can come out in the shower or when brushing your hair.
This symptom could last for six to nine months before it stops. Hair can then take a further nine months to recover and regain its normal fullness.
The medical name given to this type of shedding is teleogen effluvium - and studies are already underway to investigate the link between the condition and Covid-19 infection.
Eva Proudman, who is a clinical trichologist at The Institute of Trichologists, said that telegenic effluvium can be a ‘frightening’ experience for people.
Speaking to Black Beauty and Hair, she said: “It’s well known that telogen effluvium – to give excess hair shedding its clinical name- can be stimulated by acute illness and high fever which explains why numerous COVID-19 patients who suffered at the critical level back in March or April may now be experiencing hair shedding.
“Stress, shock or trauma can also bring on telogen effluvium – emotions and experiences that many COVID-19 patients have felt during these worrying few months.
“Increased hair shedding will most probably be a temporary issue and, reassuringly, it is unlikely that you will permanently lose any hair.
“However, I do completely understand that it can be very frightening to experience and very stressful to look in the mirror and see the impact of hair shedding.”
Other unusual symptoms linked to Covid during the Omicron wave of the virus have been described as cold and flu like.
The ZOE Covid Study App found a number of people reported to have a runny nose, headache or fatigue after coming down with the virus.
Official symptoms of Covid listed by NHS Scotland include a fever, a new cough and a loss of taste or smell.
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